Pilot Ordered for The Walking Dead Spinoff

AMC announced today that it has ordered a pilot episode of a companion series for The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert will also executive produce the new project which, like the original, is being produced by AMC Studios. Dave Erickson (Sons of Anarchy), who co-created and co-wrote the pilot with Kirkman, will serve as an executive producer and showrunner.

“Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it’s the question I get asked the most,” said AMC President Charlie Collier. “Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We’re thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners.”

“There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them,” said Kirkman.

The pilot is scheduled for production in late 2014. No additional details are being provided about the location and/or casting for the pilot at this time.